Mandell Dubbed New Head of Pinewood

Pinewood Preparatory School, a private school, announced on Monday that after an eight-month search a new head of school has been hired.

Earlier this year, the vacant position was filled by an interim head, while the school began searching for a candidate.

Stephen M. Mandell will become the new head of school and will begin work on July 1.

According to a statement released by the school, Mandell was selected for his "essential qualities and characteristics."

"Among them, Steve has a collaborative leadership style, a strong intellectual curiosity, and acts with great care," school Board of Trustees Chair Dr. James Mann said in the release.

According to the statement, Mandell has nearly two decades of education experience. Most recently he served as headmaster at The Pine Schooll, a college preparatory all-faith day school that serves students from age three through 12th grade located in Stuart and Hobe Sound, Fla.  

The announcement concludes an eight-month search process. The search committee composed of members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, parents, and alumni conducted an international search focused on candidates who could build on the school's 60-year track record of continuing excellence.

After the open meetings with each finalist, the search committee reviewed hundreds of online evaluations from parents, students, alumni, and faculty, which were an integral part of the final selection.

Pinewood's interim head of school is Dr. Carolyn Baechtle.

Coincidentally, the school made the announcement on the same day that . The search for a new head was underway before the allegations were made in the lawsuit.